Rich Storry/Getty Images
Lionel Messi assisted on Jordi Alba’s game-winning goal en route to Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday in the first game of the best-of-three first round.
Major League Soccer @MLS
JORDI ALBA FOR THE LEAD 🔥@InterMiamiCF // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1TexkMpTM3
Inter Miami outshot Atlanta United 22-8 (12-2 shots on goal). They also possessed the ball 65.7 percent of the match and had 12 corner kicks to Atlanta United’s four.
But the match was tied at one entering halftime.
Luis Suárez got Inter Miami on the scoreboard first in the second minute.
Major League Soccer @MLS
LUIS! SUAREZ!
Less than 90 seconds into the match. Wow.@InterMiamiCF // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/2o7TUzPHBs
Messi nearly put his team up 2-0 in the 29th minute but hit the post. The ball bounced to Marcelo Weigandt, who fired another shot. However, Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan was there for the tremendous save.
Major League Soccer @MLS
Oh my Brad Guzan 🧤
📺 Free on @AppleTV: https://t.co/81yjNWp5KF pic.twitter.com/qfxFJU3vsH
Ten minutes later, Saba Lobjanidze put Atlanta on the board after a through ball from Pedro Amador.
Major League Soccer @MLS
You know what time it is. ⌚
Saba Lobjanidze equalizes for @ATLUTD in the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/vh8jwdxfLj
A spirit Atlanta United effort would fall short, though, with the Alba goal proving to be the difference.
Messi didn’t score a goal, but he still fared well all things considered.
Inter Miami News Hub @Intermiamicfhub
🚨Lionel Messi against Atlanta:
5 Shots on Target 🎯
1 Hit Woodwork ❌
1 Assist 🅰️
5 Key Passes 🔑
8.3 Sofascore 🌟 pic.twitter.com/dQtj44DOaC
Fans were impressed with Messi and Inter Miami’s performance.
Sholy Nation Sports @Sholynationsp
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi 🆚 Atlanta:
🎯 1 assist
😳 5 chances created (most)
👍 91 touches
💨 3 successful dribbles (most)
👌🏽 9 passes into final third
⚔️ 3 tackles won (most)
💪🏽 4 recoveries
🦾 8 duels won (most)
⭐ 8.9 match rating (most)Top Level. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/caDW8bjjob
Abdul Sami @culerrrrrrrr
That’s why he is the goat.
What a performance. Huge credit to ex Aston Villa GK Guzan for keeping the scoreline respectable for his team and offcourse denying Messi from scoresheet. https://t.co/ARSpIh2Yq8
Steven Silver @StatessideFooty
Inter Miami should’ve scored 4 goals tonight, but credit Atlanta. They did their best, making sure Messi didn’t beat them. But Miami has multiple ways to beat you, and tonight, Jordi Alba delivered the dagger. Atlanta showed zero sense of urgency in the 2nd half #MLS
Xavier Guerrero @XGLAVOZ
Historic first playoff win for #InterMiamiCF led by Luis Suarez & Jordi Alba…A tough Atlanta United squad led by Brad Guzan’s magnificent performance made Miami grind until the end…#MLS #MLSCupPlayoffs #MLSCup https://t.co/gTt91fjeEI
Atlanta United will now host Inter Miami for Game 2 on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. ET. An Inter Miami win sends the team into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the winner of the Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC series. A loss brings the series back to Miami for the third-and-final match on Saturday, Nov. 9.
